WASHINGTON (Feb. 8, 2012) — The Rubber Manufacturers Association's (RMA) 11th Annual National Tire Safety Week will be June 3-9.
An initiative of the RMA's “Be Tire Smart—Play Your PART” tire safety program, National Tire Safety Week features the participation of tire manufacturers and retailers nationwide, working to educate motorists about proper tire care and maintenance, the RMA said.
More than 21,000 tire dealers, auto dealers and auto repair shops participated in the 10th annual event last year, according to the RMA. Participants in National Tire Safety Week include AAA Inc., the Tire Industry Association, Automotive Service Excellence, the National Automobile Dealers Association and most of the nation's large tire dealership chains.
The need for consumer education on tire care and maintenance is crucial and ongoing, the RMA said. A recent RMA survey of more than 5,400 vehicles showed half with at least one underinflated tire and nearly 20 percent with at least one tire underinflated by 8 psi or more.
Retail outlets participating in National Tire Safety Week will offer free tire pressure checks, brochures and other promotions, as well as advocating proper tire care through advertising and media outreach. Tire and auto retailers interested in obtaining free RMA materials for National Tire Safety Week can order them online at betiresmart.org. Previous participants can expect to receive materials for this year's National Tire Safety Week shortly, the RMA said.